One of the hardest things to do as a filmmaker and a skater is to balance the art, story, camera shots, and the subjects in the interviews. Though their are hundreds of skater videos out there, they are not really documentaries, but extreme sports highlight videos, like rodeos, the Olympics, football games, etc... They are performers performing and the video is what it is. There is no major points, no direction, no end point in mind, it just is there, shots all edited nicely together and maybe a few comments cut in and out, but this is not a documentary. Your short is a documentary, showing something that stands out other than the average Joe Skater. The Old School Skaters are guys with families, and are slightly 'older' than the younger generations of skaters, shedding light on ideas that 'age' or 'family' maybe some what of a factor that doesn't mean you can't still be cool and be a skater. I'm 28, former street skater myself, and often think about those good old days. Since skating has always appealed to the younger crowds, your doc does have some originality to it. The editing is good, camera shots (you know how skaters film, so it's all good..) and the interviews are good. I would concentrate more on singling out several and narrowing it down more, the idea, the interviews, and the shots, tell the most in the least amount of time. Slow motion can be used effectively as well as opening credits with good graphics. The humor is there and the idea is really good. Just always remember to keep in mind that you want to be as original and personal and real as possible. Your video rocks and it's a shame we didn't do as hot as the Shoe Shiners! Oh well, better luck next time. Hope this helps.
Comments for Old School Skaters
by Paul Michna
Tom Laughlin
Director/Writer
Team "Sudilkov"